Hollywood Studios has never looked so AMAZING. But are the most AMAZING parts about this park always the easiest to spot, right from the get-go? Short answer: Not at ALL.

So we’re gonna help you out by showing you the most TERRIFIC, WONDERFUL, AND ALL-AROUND AWESOME parts of Hollywood Studios.

While many of the BEST parts about Hollywood Studios you’re not gonna have to dig for, other parts are a little less out in the open, waiting — in secret — for the TRUE Disney fans to come and figure out. (Psst— that means YOU. YOU’RE the true fan!)

1. Hush-Hush Mimosas

Morning cocktails at an ice cream shop? You’re on vacation, so why not?

While Hollywood Scoops off Sunset Boulevard is TYPICALLY most known for its hand-scooped ice cream and over-the-top shakes, it also has some on-the-go breakfast options that you can order before getting on the rides. 

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Reviews from Hollywood Scoops

2. The ONLY Reason To Go To Catalina Eddie’s

For YEARS, we’ve been telling you to eat anywhere else in Hollywood Studios EXCEPT Catalina Eddie’s off Sunset Boulevard. HOWEVER, there is a reason – a MAJOR reason – you still need to visit this unassuming kiosk. 

Do y’all remember the Glimmer and Shimmer Blondie that was introduced to the park during Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration Yeah, that dessert was one of the BEST THINGS to come out of that 18-month long celebration. Even though the celebration has come and gone and most all of the desserts from said celebration have disappeared into the great beyond, you can find a VERSION of the Glimmer and Shimmer blondie still hanging out at none other than Catalina Eddie’s!

Nowadays, the Glimmer and Shimmer blondie goes by the name “Toffee and Coconut” blondie, but you’re still gonna find it to be pretty much the same Gooey Toffee and Toasted Coconut Blondie topped with Salted Caramel Buttercream as before. 

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Reviews from Catalina Eddie’s

3. A Restaurant You’ll Never Eat At

We’ve got LOTS of secrets about the Tower of Terror to share with ya today, but let’s work our way backward and start at the Tower of Terror GIFT SHOP first, located at the exit of the drop tower. Past the main section of Tower Hotel Gifts is an inconspicuous door, leading to what was ONCE a restaurant called the Sunset Room.

Okay, so it was never an OFFICIAL Disney World restaurant or anything, but the Imagineering of this little area SUGGESTS that the last time the menu of this faux restaurant had been updated was October 31, 1939…. Which – shock, shock – JUST so happens to be the very day that, according to lore, the Hollywood Tower Hotel was STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. 

While you can’t dine at the Sunset Room, feel free to read over what the menu was SUPPOSED to be all those years ago. Because it actually looks pretty scrumptious. Um… hey, Disney? Can we turn this into a legit restaurant now? Please and thank you.

I Was a Disney World Cast Member, and I’m Letting You In on Some Major Ride SECRETS

4. Where It’s Halloween ALL YEAR LONG

Alright, we’re gonna see if you were REALLY paying attention during my last point with a little POP QUIZ: WHEN did the Hollywood Tower Hotel get STRUCK by lightning? 

If you said HALLOWEEN of 1939, then CONGRATULATIONS! You WERE paying attention! 

Because this hotel was “struck” by lightning back on Halloween night ALL those years ago — plunging it into the depths of the Twilight Zone — the hotel is now trapped perpetually in spooky-scary season. And THAT’S why, when you enter out the Tower Hotel Gifts store, you’ll see — peeking out of the display windows — a couple of jack-o-lanterns and pumpkins there to greet you, forever celebrating a Halloween that’s already come and gone.

Disney World Secrets No One Will Tell You (But We Will)

5. A Brand New Snack Stand

YAY NEW THINGS! We LIKE new things, especially when they involve SNACKS! Ice Cold Hydraulics has officially opened on Grand Avenue and serves both the standard Disney treats (like Mickey Ice Cream Bars, Mickey Soft Pretzels, and popcorn) and some more unique options. 

What unique options, you might ask? Well, there’s…

• Candy Painted Cinnamon Rolls (which are these mini cinnamon rolls topped with Coca-Cola-infused glaze and toasted nuts) 
• And there’s Savory Bouncin’ Mini Churros (topped with Coca-Cola and bourbon candied bacon, sriracha aïoli, and scallions)
• You can also get alcoholic AND non-alcoholic slushies here, too!

Overall, Hydraulics is a great place to stop if you need a light snack in the morning, want something to tide you over mid-day, or are using snack credits for the Disney Dining Plan since those unique snack options are on the pricier side. 

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Review from Ice Cold Hydraulics

6. “Bagging The Fish”

During the finale of Fantasmic!, characters from the show float past ya on a boat, with Cap’n Steamboat Willie behind the wheel. ​​For the safety of these characters, they’ll all head inside the boat to take cover right before the fireworks start to go off… with one exception. 

One of the characters on the boat is Ariel in her mermaid form. And since she’s flippin’ her fins, she won’t get too far. (AKA: She can’t walk inside the boat like the rest of them.) Thankfully, Prince Eric is there to save her tail – literally. 

No, he doesn’t carry off his blushing mermaid bride. Instead, right before exiting the top of the boat himself, he wraps a flame-retardant blanket over her so that she can be safely covered and protected from the fireworks. This action is affectionately called “bagging the fish.” So next time you watch Fantasmic, keep an eye on Ariel and Prince Eric IF you want to see it happen! (Or… DON’T, if you don’t want the magic of the moment spoiled for ya.)

REVIEW: Is The $35 Fantasmic! Dining Package WORTH IT? We Tried It Out!

7. A SECRET Bar

There’s a bar in Hollywood Studios that nobody talks about – not even DISNEY. And that bar is… Oasis Canteen. It is located in Echo Lake right next to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – and serves an assortment of mixed drinks, as well as a full bar of options. Here, you can find specialty cocktails themed around Indy and his adventures, like…

• The Lost Jewel (made with vodka, peach schnapps, blue curacao, sweet and sour, and a souvenir glow cube)
• Snake Alley (made with rum, creme de banana, melon liqueur, sweet-and-sour, and pineapple juice)
• And the Long Lost Island (made with vodka, rum, gin, triple sec, sweet-and-sour, Sprite, wild berry, and a souvenir glow cube)

There’s no dedicated seating for this walk-up counter, but you’ll at least find some benches nearby. OR – better yet – you can take your drinks with you INSIDE the Indiana Jones show!

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Review from Oasis Canteen

8. New Updates To A Classic Ride

Who’s ready to see some FRESH changes come to Echo Lake? Star Tours — The Adventures Continue regularly gets new ride scenes from all around the Star Wars galaxy 

We do expect the wait times for Star Tours to be a little higher than normal right when these changes take place, so if you’re planning on going to Hollywood Studios sometime this spring, make sure to keep an eye on the Star Tours wait time via your My Disney Experience App.  

Disney Hints at NEW Star Tours Scenes

9. Sit In “Wet Paint”

Hey, Muppets fans! You looking for the PERFECT photo op in Grand Avenue? I gotchu. In order to find this super-secret photo op, head ALL the way to the back area of the Muppets section in the park, specifically over by where Muppet Vision 3-D lets out.

There are a few fun photo spots over here, but if you’re looking for one that’ll make your relatives raise their eyebrows at’cha, find the “Wet Paint! Do Not Touch!” section. You see where this is going, right? Sit your happy butt down in that yellow “wet paint” splatter and smile for the camera!

Come With Us to See the Muppets in a RARE Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

10. Two Different Experiences Inside The Most Popular Ride

When you’re in line for Rise of the Resistance, and you’re FINALLY at the part where your group is assigned a certain “color” to stand on, stay alert! Because that assigned “color” is WAY more crucial than you may realize. 

If you’re assigned to the blue or red group, you’ll be sorted into the FRONT transport vehicle. If you’re assigned into the orange or white group, you’ll be sorted into the BACK transport vehicle. Why is this important? Because your ride experience will be DIFFERENT depending on what vehicle you’re sitting in. 

There are THREE key differences between the front and back transport:

• Early into the ride, the first difference will make itself known when a Probe Droid emerges, looking for the Resistance prisoners (you!). The front car will see the Probe Droid up close, while the back car just passes by it when the droid is lowered.
• Then, in the AT-AT room, the front car goes through the AT-ATs and turns left, backing into the elevator with a view of Finn in his Stormtrooper gear against a wall. After rising up, the front car will be face to face with two stormtroopers inside the head of the AT-AT.
• Meanwhile, the back car moves through the AT-ATs and looks like it might actually escape the room through a large open door. But — EGAD — the door closes at the last second, whisking your vehicle backward! This car also sees a Finn animatronic, but he’ll be sitting behind some crates, avoiding fire from the blasters. When this transport vehicle rises up on the elevator, you’ll be looking at the side of the AT-AT instead of face-to-face with it.

The final difference happens both times that the ride encounters Kylo Ren. In both Kylo scenes (ie: on the bridge and at the ride’s final showdown), the front car is to Kylo’s left while the back car is to his right. The way the experience differs here is that Kylo turns in different directions when addressing the riders. 

How To Get On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Tips and Tricks

11. Good Luck In Black Spire

Wanna pick up a bit of good luck while you’re in Galaxy’s Edge? When you first enter the Black Spire Outpost, you’ll find this large obelisk sitting in the middle of the area, right across from the restrooms.

According to Imagineering Managing Story Editor, Margaret Kerrison, if you touch this Batuuan obelisk and say, ‘Til the spire,’ then it’ll give you good luck “so that you may return in good health to this place again.”

BREAKING: Disney’s Wandering Droids Are BACK in Galaxy’s Edge

12. The Remnants Of A Place We’ll Always Miss

If you’re someone who misses the old days of Hollywood Studios too — back when it was MGM Studios instead of DHS — then you’ll probably appreciate (and be saddened by) THIS little Easter Egg. At Baseline Taphouse off Grand Avenue, you can order beer, wine, and small bites while chillin’ outside, people-watching the Hollywood Studios crowds from a safe distance.

But I’ll probably never fully support ENJOYING Baseline Taphouse because I remember what it once was—a lovely little place called the Writer’s Stop (made for writers, dreamers, and me). This shop wasn’t big—just a place that sold books, coffee, and my beloved carrot cake cookie. But it was charming and peaceful, and I miss it every day.

Baseline Taphouse, safe to say, isn’t all that peaceful, especially during the midday. If you look on the knickknack shelf hanging on the brick wall of this establishment, you might be able to spot a scattered assortment of metallic letters amongst many other thingamabobs. If you find all the letters, you’ll see that they spell out an old familiar friend’s name…. Writer’s Stop.

One of the BEST Hollywood Studios Details Is Hiding in Plain Sight

13. Beer Flights

Alright, fine. FINE. There’s more to enjoy at Baseline Taphouse other than JUST the fact it spells out “Writer’s Stop” and makes me cry into my Bavarian Pretzel Beer Cheese. 

You can also create your own beer flight! For just over $13, you’ll be able to pick out 4 beers currently on draft (in 5 oz pours). This way, you can try out a few different brews from Baseline instead of paying full price for a 16oz one that you may not wind up being too fond of.

Review: A BaseLine Tap House Margarita Just Got a Serious Upgrade in Hollywood Studios!

14. Hidden Star Wars Meet And Greet

Attention, Disney Visa Cardholders! I’ve got a special Hollywood Studios experience waiting just for you and only you! Inside Star Wars Launch Bay at the Animation Courtyard, you’ll find several regular meet and greets going on for Star Wars fans — including BB-8, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader.

But next to the BB-8 meet and greet, there’s a small hallway with access to a Disney Visa cardholders-only Vader meet. And it often has a much much MUCH shorter line than the regular Vader meet-up! So make sure you’ve got your Disney Visa Card handy if you wanna use this little hack — because that’s gonna be your KEY to the dark side!

EVERY Star Wars Character You Can Meet in Disney World

15. A New Show Is ON ITS WAY!

Sad news? The Voyage of the Little Mermaid Stage Show is PERMANENTLY closed. Good news? It’s currently being REIMAGINED into a NEW Little Mermaid Stage show that’ll be opening THIS FALL! 

“The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” will premiere at the Animation Courtyard theater, which is currently where the closed Voyage of The Little Mermaid show sits. When it opens, we can expect musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” and “Kiss the Girl.”  We’ll make sure to let you know once we hear about an EXACT OPENING DATE for this new Little Mermaid show (because we’re SO STOKED to see it too)!

The NEW Little Mermaid Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is One Step Closer to Opening!

16. A Design Studio (With NO CAPES)

If you find Edna Mode from the Incredibles franchise to be just as charming, witty, and slightly unsettling as we do, then you’ll DEFINITELY wanna meet her over at her Super Suit Gallery in Hollywood Studios. The Edna Mode meet-and-greet experience can be found in the teeny-tiny Pixar Place sliver of the park, which is just past the Animation Courtyard and right before you get to Toy Story Land.

So, not only will you get to meet and take pictures with a fashionista who puts Cruella De Vil to shame, but you’ll also get to see Edna’s latest super suit designs, which are just as practical as they are fashionable.

Visit Edna Mode’s HOUSE and Design Your Very Own Supersuit With Disney and Airbnb

17. Not One, But TWO Projection Shows

So often, when we think about nighttime shows going on in Hollywood Studios, we immediately think about Fantasmic. And for good reason. That show is the BIGGEST one and it never fails to make me feel all warm inside. And that ain’t just because of the pyrotechnics. However, there are TWO MORE nighttime shows that you can catch in this park each evening. These shows take place over at the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. 

• Disney Movie Magic — which explores Disney’s long-standing history of live-action films 
• Wonderful World of Animation — which explores the OTHER big part of Disney’s entertainment realm… the ANIMATION side of things. 

Both shows are about 10 minutes long, and they usually happen pretty close together. That doesn’t mean the same will be true during your trip, however — so make sure you’re staying up to date on the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit so you don’t miss out on one (or either) of these shows if you wanna see ‘em!

NEWS: Disney Temporarily CANCELS Popular Show in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

18. PB&Js: Grown-Up Edition

One of our FAVORITE things to order in 50s Prime Time Cafe is the PB&J milkshake. But for all of you who are 21+ and looking to add a little booziness to your PB&J experience, you’re not gonna need a 50s Prime Time dining reservation. All you need to do is swing by the restaurant’s attached bar — the Tune In Lounge — and order yourself a Tune In PB&J Cocktail. 

This cocktail is made with Peanut Butter Whiskey, Blackberry Brandy, and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur — then topped off with a Maraschino Cherry. Overall, the balance of PB and Blackberry is tasty. And the fact that you can order this drink to take on the go with ya makes it all the more convenient and tempting to try.

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Review from 50’s Prime Time Cafe

19. What’s REALLY Hiding In Backlot Express

The Backlot Express quick service in Echo Lake is designed to look and feel like an actual production warehouse. But if you don’t take the time to walk around the dining room and SEE all the pieces and parts that make up this warehouse, you’ll miss out on all that fun Imagineering. So, let’s take a quick tour together to spot a few of these fun production pieces. QUIET ON THE SET!!

First up on the tour, we’ve got the paint stations — where studio artists must’ve just been painting scenery and murals before they had to step away for a break. Hopefully, the painters will come back soon, though, because it looks like we’ve got a whole lot of stark-white sculptures in the sculpting area waiting to be brought to life with a nice coat of colors.

Next, we’ve got a whole area for stunt men and women. Which you’ll be able to spot quickly once you find the fully stocked medicine cabinet with bandages and pain relievers at the ready. Not REAL ones, though. You’ll have to go to First Aid at the front of the park for the actual stuff. The stunt crew also has blackboards with different diagrams sketched out, as well as stunt dummies sitting nearby, ready to step in and take one for the team if need be.

But some of my FAVORITE details in this dining room are the flyers posted about — complete with safety-in-the-workplace reminders and supply conservation signs. There’s even the ol’ office bulletin board for the Paint Department, displaying inter-team memos as well as personal notes from department members.

Okay, that’s enough touring for now. I’ll leave you to explore the REST of this place during your next lunch or dinner here.

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Reviews from Backlot Express

20. The Disney Brothers’ Loft

So for THIS particular secret, we’ve gotta go to ANOTHER rarely-talked-about drink location in Hollywood Studios: Peevy’s Polar Pipeline.

Peevy’s Polar Pipeline is over in Echo Lake and serves up the usual frozen cokes and frozen lemonades, which of-age guests can also choose to spike with a bit of rum or vodka for an extra cost. But the secret I wanna talk about isn’t Peevy’s… but what’s NEXT to Peevy’s.

Next to this drink stand is a fake door marked Holly Vermont Realty. Above the window, a window shows a loft for rent. What’s the significance of that? When the Disney brothers first settled in Hollywood, they actually did rent a loft above a business named Holly Vermont Realty. So this little facade represents where the Disney brothers once lived all those years ago!

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21. The Golden Characters Of Hollywood

Getting to eat at Hollywood Brown Derby is AMAZING as is (since it’s the BEST PLACE to eat in the entire park, imho), but what makes it even MORE amazing is the HISTORY lining the dining room walls…… literally! Inside Hollywood Brown Derby, you’re gonna see dozens and dozens and DOZENS of caricatures, capturing the cartoony likeness of big time movie stars. Now, check out the frames of these caricatures — because they’re SIGNIFICANT. 

Any caricatures hanging in a BLACK frame are caricature COPIES from the original Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant that once existed out in California. But the ones in the GOLD frames are the REAL DEAL. (As in THE original caricatures that once hung in the California restaurant way back when.)

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Hollywood Brown Derby Review

22. Chewie Mode

Don’t underestimate the leadership of a Wookie under extreme Millennium Falcon circumstances — especially if that Wookie happens to be Chewbacca. On Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, you and a crew of five others will team up and take on a series of tasks to help Hondo Ohnaka collect coaxium canisters from around the galaxy. 

As much as we love hearing Hono Ohnaka dis us for hitting obstacles and missing straight shots (as if the Storm Troopers didn’t do that FIRST), there’s a way to unlock an even better co-pilot for your mission — Chewbacca!

No kind of luck is going to bring Chewie into the cockpit, though— so you and your team will have to follow some pretty exact steps to pull this co-pilot switcharoo off! Here’s how it’s done:

• Both pilots need to move their controls to the far left/right OR the far up and down (depending on your position) BEFORE pushing the activation button. 
• Then, the rest of the crew needs to hit one of the white buttons on their controls before hitting the orange activation button.
• Do all this before the Cast Member secures the cabin and clears you for take-off and you’ll be taking a flight with Chewie himself!

Here’s to hoping someone in your team knows how to speak Wookie.

What, Exactly, Is “Chewie Mode” in Disney World and How Do You Do It?

23. It’s Rat Pizza… AND A Wedding

There’s just a whole lotta silly-goofy Muppet hecticness going on at PizzeRizzo… which is why we still LOVE this quick service, even if the food here is only so-so. So, here’s the PizzeRizzo backstory. This two-story eatery is supposed to mimic a grungy New York Pizzeria run by none other than Rizzo the Rat. Each story of this eatery takes on a different vibe.

On the first floor, things are pretty restaurant “standard” — with little Muppets jokes and gags featured on the signs and pictures hanging about. But on the second floor, you’ve got Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, where a wedding reception for Gil and Lill — daughter of Will and Jill, and son of Phil and Bill — is about to take place. On the second floor, you’ll find chandeliers and drapes on the ceiling, detailed gold-backed chairs lined up across the tables, and a wood dance floor in the middle of the room (complete with a disco ball hanging overhead)! 

Even if you don’t wanna eat a full meal here, you might still wanna grab a quick snack or dessert so you can explore PizzeRizzo and appreciate its quick-witted humor — especially if you’ve got a Muppets fan in your family. 

Or you ARE the Muppets fan in your family. Or BOTH. And don’t forget to swing by the FRONT of this restaurant again at NIGHT. See that neon PizzeRizzo sign? The one that CLAIMS to be the city’s top rated pizza? When the sun goes down, the sign gives way to the TRUTH behind this establishment. Watch the sign flash on and off to reveal that — UH OH — “It’s RAT Pizza” that you’re gonna find here!

Though honestly? If Remy can be a five-star chef, then why can’t Rizzo?

Click HERE to Read Our Latest PizzeRizzo Reviews

24. Hidden Oswalds

Step aside, Mickey! It’s time for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to finally get his chance to SHINE! Over at Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land, cast members have confirmed that you can find not one, but TWO Hidden Oswalds inside the restaurant — a hidden reference to one of Walt Disney’s very first characters, even BEFORE Mickey Mouse.

• One hidden Oswald appears in the Amazing Ropin’ Woody picture
• The knot on the rope creates the center of Oswald’s head, and the two pieces of rope that’re sticking up create his ears!
• And while we’ve debated where the other hidden Oswald might be hiding out, we’ve narrowed it down to TWO potential options: 
  • Either A.) it’s the tie of Stinky Pete’s ascot, or 
  • B.) it’s the tie on Woody’s bandana (where he’s riding Bullseye)

Which one do YOU think makes a better Oswald? Let me know in the comments so we can get this mystery solved!

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Roundup Rodeo BBQ Reviews

25. Controversial Rodent And Mallard Meet And Greets

After the Disney parks reopened post 2020 closures, a lot of things majorly changed — especially when it came to how we interacted with characters. During this time of uncertainty, character meetings became character SIGHTINGS. While it was sad to not be able to hug or chat with our favorite friends face-to-face, it was entertaining to see what shenanigans they were up to from afar.

This included Chip and Dale AND Donald and Daisy over at Hollywood Studios, who would frequently have cutesy picnics in the grass knoll in front of the Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

But, just recently, Chip and Dale, Donald, and Daisy have RETURNED to their regularly scheduled meet and greets in the park — to the excitement (and dismay) of many. Sure, it’s nice to have one-on-one convos with these dynamic duos again, but — MAN — many of y’all out there sure do MISS these guys’ with their little picnic basket and checkered blanket and acorn props. 

If you wanna see these characters during your next visit, check the My Disney Experience app to see where they’re chillin while you’re there! Most of the time, you can catch them wandering around Echo Lake, not too terribly far away from where they used to picnic!

There’s a NEW Character Meet-and-Greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

26. SNOW!

Why just track down air conditioning on a hot Florida day when you could track down a full-on SNOW STORM!? For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration takes the beloved characters and story of Frozen to a whole new level, where YOU, and any little Annas, Elsas, and Kristoffs out there, can join in the show by singing along!

And if this show wasn’t already interactive enough, the GRAND FINALE is even MORE immersive as Elsa does “the magic” and makes it SNOW across the theater! HOW FUN! Getting sidetracked here, but does anyone else remember when the first Frozen movie came out and Hollywood Studios hosted a full-on “Frozen Summer Fun” event? 

Book These Rides FIRST With Disney World’s New Lightning Lane Multi Pass System!

27. The Best Dining Plan Deal

You may want to consider booking a Fantasmic dining package to guarantee the BEST view of Fantasmic during your Hollywood Studios night. The Fantasmic! Dining Package offers a meal at a participating restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios AND reserved VIP seating for one of the showings of Fantasmic! during the night of your visit. 

But here’s something all you Disney Dining Plan people are gonna want to know: You can actually use a table service credit on this dining package! That means you’ll get a full meal AND priority seating for the nighttime spectacular for the SAME PRICE you’d be paying for just the meal itself!

Just keep in mind, however, that if you book the Fantasmic Package for the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant, you’ll have to use TWO credits per person here instead of just one. To learn more about how these DDP credits work before your Disney World vacation, be sure to check out our DDP playlist over on our DFB channel.

REVIEW: Is The $35 Fantasmic! Dining Package WORTH IT? We Tried It Out!

28. A Tower Of Terror Photo Shoot

“Alright, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my closeup!” For an extra cost, you can have a private photoshoot with a PhotoPass photographer inside the Tower of Terror. 

Yes, you heard that correctly. Your photographer will pose you inside the Hollywood Tower Hotel along with special props — like a bellhop hat, a vintage suitcase, and the TOWER GHOST HIDING IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM. Oops, sorry. Am I the only one who can see it? Then let’s… let’s carry on…

Each session is 20 minutes long and costs $99 plus tax. If that isn’t enough time for you to REALLY capture your spooky celebratory essence though, you can book two back-to-back sessions to ensure that you get all the shots that you want. Just make sure that you also purchase a valid park ticket, which isn’t included in the price of your session. But seriously, you didn’t see that ghost? What if I told you it’s now standing… right behind you?

Your Disney World Photoshoot Just Got WAY Easier

29. How To See Galaxy’s Edge When It’s EMPTY

So here’s the thing: Galaxy’s Edge is a popular place. Probably the  MOST popular place in Hollywood Studios, really. So, being able to enjoy it without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds is… not always possible. HOWEVER it’s not exactly IMPOSSIBLE either. And that’s all thanks to the area’s spaceport bar, Oga’s Cantina. Oga’s Cantina is one of the few bars on Disney property that requires Advance Dining Reservations. And — get this — you MIGHT be able to snag some of those Oga’s Cantina reservations AFTER Hollywood Studios closes.

So if Hollywood Studios closes at 9PM, for instance, you might find that Oga’s Cantina doesn’t close until 10PM, kinda like how the flagship stores stay open for lingering guests, too. That means if you make a reservation for Oga’s at 9:15PM, you can grab a drink here before heading out. And once you DO head out? You’ll be able to briefly admire an EMPTY Galaxy’s Edge.

Keyword here: BRIEFLY. If you decide to attempt this strategy, please be mindful of the cast members’ time. Cast members are stationed to be in the parks after closures no matter what, so you aren’t preventing them from going home if you book a late-night Oga’s reservation. However, it’s still best to grab your drinks, grab your pics, and wrap up the night without too much extra foot-dragging so that everyone can get home at a decent hour.

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Reviews from Oga’s Cantina

30. Keep The Fox Out Of The Hen House

There are TONS of strategies out there that are gonna help you really RACK up the points in Toy Story Mania — but we’re gonna stick with the FIRST mini-game you’ll come across on this ride (AKA: Hamm and Eggs) to get you all set up for success.

• During Hamm and Eggs, you may be tempted to go for the obvious moving animal targets FIRST, but what you’re ACTUALLY gonna want to do is search for the fox. 
• Hitting the fox will release hens that earn higher points than any of the targets that’ll be currently on the screen. 
• Then, take down the two pigs above the fox, and a cat worth 500 points will appear. Repeat this process, and the cat’s value will increase to 2,000 points. 

Meanwhile, if you’re on the other side of the screen, further away from the fox, go ahead and take out the animals inside the barn, including the mice. If you’re successful, dozens of mice will appear — all worth 2,000 points as well.

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31. A Galactic Pet Shop

In Black Spire, you’re gonna be able to shop for a lot of Star Wars-inspired knickknacks, like hoodies, magnets, keychains — you name it. But there’s also a PET STORE in this little shopping strip, too! Bina’s Creature Stall is where you can pick up a new pet to accompany your journey throughout the galaxy.

You can shop for plush and your ideal Star Wars pet (many of which present life-like, interactive features) while surrounded by animated versions in cages around the store. Perhaps you’d like a Dianoga trash monster of your very own… Or maybe you want your own Kowakian Monkey Lizard to sit on your shoulder. Whatever you decide, there’s one thing you can guarantee at this little shop: The merchandise here is DEFINITELY out of this world.

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32. Dapper Days

Dapper Day is a twice-a-year fan-created event that happens at both Disney World and Disneyland. During this time, people will dress up in their very best retro, Disney-inspired fashion and get all…well…dapper. If you’ve never been to a Dapper Day event, it’s a lot of fun even if you don’t decide to participate — just because it’s awesome to see all the outfits that people take the time to put together or make by hand, solely for the occasion.

While you can visit any of the parks for Dapper Days, Hollywood Studios tends to capture that perfect dapper essence — especially if you’re strolling around either Hollywood or Sunset Boulevard (aka: the section of the park that capture the “Golden Age” of Hollywood) 

Dapper Days in Disney World and Disneyland

33. What Remains Of Galactic Starcruiser

The Galactic Starcruiser took its final voyage in September 2023. When it used to be open (for the short amount of time that it was open for), it was — as Disney described — a “part live immersive theater, part themed environment, part culinary extravaganza, and part real-life role-playing game.”

So… what’s that transport area being used for inside the park now that Galactic Starcruiser is no more? A Capture Your Moment check-in area! Much like the Tower of Terror photo shoot, you can also purchase a private photo shoot for Galaxy’s Edge, as well.  But if you do make reservations to do that, the old Galaxy’s Edge entryway is where you’re gonna need to go to check-in for it. You’ll be able to find this check-in area right across from the Milk Stand.

See the NEW Character Wandering Around Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

34. SO MANY TWILIGHT ZONE EASTER EGGS

We’ve already talked about Tower of Terror, like, a bazillion times today, but there are SO MANY HIDDEN GEMS hiding out in this ride. So let’s just hit you with a RAPID FIRE of MORE Tower of Terror Easter Eggs that you can find in the pre-show library room ALONE.

Starting…. NOW:

• In the library, take a look around for a pair of broken glasses sitting on top of a stack of books. These glasses are a reference to The Twilight Zone episode, “Time Enough at Last” (where the main character breaks his glasses in the wake of a nuclear explosion, leaving him unable to read for pleasure)
• Those who have seen the Twilight Zone episode “In the Nick of Time” might spot a certain mysterious fortune-teller machine that tormented William Shatner. (He’s that red devil-looking guy up on the shelf)
• Like the fortune-teller machine, a little metal space invader sits on the same top shelf, too. “The Invaders” episode of the Twilight Zone showed a farm woman tormented by these very creatures.
• Appropriately, the library also has a pretty interesting book you should be looking for. If you can spot a book called “To Serve Man,” it may remind you of The Twilight Zone episode with the same name!
• And don’t stop looking around the library just yet! If you spot a dusty trumpet, you’ve found another hidden gem! Jack Klugman played the trumpet as Joey Crown in the episode “Passage for Trumpet.”
• And right underneath the trumpet, look at the sheet music it’s lying on top of! You’ll notice it’s for a song called, “What! No Mickey Mouse? What Kind Of Party Is This?”

Everything You NEED to Know About Disney World’s Tower of Terror Attraction

35. Deeper Layers To An Immersive Restaurant 

Whenever we talk about the immersive Sci Fi Dine In restaurant, we always mention how it’s set to look like a retro drive-in movie theater. But perhaps this restaurant is more of a SET than you realize… 

While the main dining room does feel like a blast from the past, the hallway leading up to it feels like you’re behind the scenes on a soundstage.  So what is it, then? Are you in a movie… or is this real life? Guess the correct answer is… a little bit of both!

Just make sure you don’t pass this hallway on by without spotting a few of the doodads hiding behind the scenes — because you just might find things like paper lanterns, a jet pack, “filming in progress” signs, and… is that a bowl full of eyes?? Why yes. Yes, it is.

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Sci Fi Dine In Reviews

36. Ever-Changing Character Dining 

A little variety never hurt anyone!

The Hollywood & Vine character buffet in Echo Lake hosts Character Meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But the characters you encounter all depends on the time of day you dine. You can party with the Disney Junior Characters during breakfast as you chow down on some great food at the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine Breakfast! But during lunch and dinner, you can experience Minnie’s Seasonal Dine!

Throughout the year, Minnie Mouse is the hostess for various “dinner parties,” where she’s often joined by Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto! The theme of Minnie’s Seasonal Dine changes with each passing season:

• She starts things off with a tribute to the Silver Screen, which occurs from early January until mid-March, 
• Then, Springtime Dine, which happens from mid-March to mid-June.
• A beach party scene is set for the year’s Summertime Dine, which happens from mid-June to mid-August
• Then, fall’s Halloween Dine, which runs from mid-August to early November.
• Finally, Minnie wraps things up with her Holiday Dine, which occurs from early November through the New Year

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Hollywood & Vine Reviews

37. DON’T PULL THE ROPE

Ever wanted to break Disney’s rules without getting into any legal trouble? Now’s your chance. Near the entrance to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular theater, you’ll spot a well with a pulley system hanging up above. Next to it, a sign says, “Warning! Do Not Pull Rope.” 

But, like… why be a goodie-two-shoes at this moment when the “NOT” seems to be oh-so-deliberately slashed out? So go ahead! Pull it! See what happens! But, uh, just as a warning… you might feel a little bit of guilt afterward. So you should probably get a Wookie Cookie at Backlot Studios right after to make you feel better.

I Was a Disney World Cast Member. I Broke the Rules. Here’s What Happened.

38. Skip The Massive Lines WITHOUT Lightning Lane

Disney Lightning Lanes can be a MAJOR help when it comes to getting to the front of all those A-tier Hollywood Studios attractions without having to wait forever and ever and EVER before it’s finally your turn to ride. But sometimes, you just don’t wanna deal with the Lightning Lane hassle. We get it. Totally.

So, how can you guarantee a shorter wait for ALL the Hollywood Studios rides without having to play the “Lightning Lane game” all day long? By purchasing an after-hours party ticket instead!  

Hollywood Studios’ after hours takes place on select nights. During this separately ticketed event, you can enjoy rides, entertainment, Character meet and greets, and select complimentary snacks for an extra three hours after the park closes. And best of all — capacity for After Hours is limited. So there’s no need for Lightning Lanes here! You just pick a line, jump in it, and get on the ride with a much more limited wait to worry about! After Hours ticket prices for Hollywood Studios vary by date, ranging from $155 to $175 (plus tax). So… this event can be JUST as expensive as a regular park ticket. 

However, you will be able to enter the park a couple of hours before the actual event kicks off — meaning if you’re not already gonna be in the park during those regular ticketed hours that day, you’ll wanna get your money’s worth for this event ticket by entering the park as early as 7PM instead of right when the event starts up at 9:30PM. This will also give you the chance to watch the Fantasmic nighttime spectacular, too!

Disney After Hours in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

39. A Very Toy Story Christmas

Hollywood Studios may not have the Christmas light spectacle that they once had way back when (RIP Osborne Lights), BUT that doesn’t mean this park has completely lost its very merry spirit. Around the holidays, Hollywood Studios decks the halls with lots of good tidings and cheer.  And that goes for Toy Story Land, too!

We’re picking on Toy Story Land specifically because we REALLY don’t talk as much about their festive decor as we should. And that’s a shame because it’s SO STINKING CUTE. During past holiday seasons — since this area of the park first opened — Woody has greeted Hollywood Studios guests while sporting a white and red striped scarf 

And once you cross the threshold into the area, the decor just keeps on coming! You can find seasonal spice like:

• Alien-themed ornaments 
• A Hamm-shaped cookie
• Oversized popcorn garland 
• And a pasta-framed piece of children’s artwork (y’all remember those days, right? The macaroni art days?)

Even Rex gets in on the holiday fun, too by wearing a fashionable pair of cardboard reindeer antlers.

Kyber Crystals

The customization of your lightsaber doesn’t have to stop after your Savi’s Workshop experience (IF you decide to make reservations for Savi’s, that is). You can continue perfecting your lightsaber just the way you want it by purchasing UPGRADES over at Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, too.

During your time at Savi’s Workshop, you’ll be able to pick a default kyber crystal color, which will determine the color of your saber. This includes purple, green, red, or blue. Don’t want one of those colors? You can also get a white OR yellow kyber crystal, too, if you choose to purchase one from Dok Ondar’s gift shop afterward — OR you can also get one of the standard saber colors as well (just in case you had a hard time deciding when you were making your saber)

There’s also a super rare BLACK kyber crystal that you may be fortunate enough to find if you purchase one of the MYSTERY Kyber Crystal packs, which might be worth the gamble for you.

EXCLUSIVE Souvenir Discount Revealed for Disney Visa Cardmembers 

41. Don’t Miss The Ronto Wraps!

If getting a Ronto Wrap over at Ronto Roasters in Galaxy’s Edge is a big-time PRIORITY snack for ya, then you’ll wanna know where you can get your hands on one ‘em ALL day long.

While Ronto Roasters is usually where you’re gonna grab one of these savory galactic snacks, this quick service closes EARLY. (Like, by 3PM early). That doesn’t mean you can’t still have a Ronto wrap for dinner, though! After Ronto Roasters closes for the day, Ronto Wraps will become available over at the Docking Bay 7 quick service (also in Galaxy’s Edge) for the remainder of the evening.

Just keep in mind that this’ll only be for the MAIN Ronto Wraps and not the veggie-based Zucchi Wraps. So if you’re looking for the vegetarian option, you’ll still wanna head to Ronto Roasters BEFORE 3PM

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Ronto Roasters Reviews

42. Limited Time Snacks

Listen. Hollywood Studios might not always be our favorite place for a meal, but they tend to go HARD with their snack offerings. We’ve got the carrot cake cookie at Trolley Car Cafe, the Wookie Cookie at Backlot Express, the totchos at Woody’s Lunch Box, and SO MANY OTHER sweet and savory delicacies. 

BUT before you go and buy one of our all-time favorite Hollywood Studios snacks, check and see what other seasonal snack offerings might be available during your visit. Because Hollywood Studios does an AMAZING job at the limited-time stuff, too (for the most part). And if you stick with JUST the classics, you might miss out on what could’ve been a NEW favorite treat of yours that you would’ve liked EVEN MORE!

Throughout the year, you could find:

• Seasonal Lunch Box Tart flavors at Woody’s Lunch Box
• Seasonal cupcake varieties at Trolley Car Cafe
• Seasonal shakes at Hollywood Scoops
• Or maybe even a whole other seasonal treat ENTIRELY that catches you by surprise! 

We’ll always keep ya up-to-date on the lastest Hollywood Studios treats (or ANY new Disney treats, really) that we come across while we’re in the parks daily — so make sure you’re signed up for our FREE DFB newsletter and never fall out of the Disney snacking news loop!

Disney Recipe: Make Two POPULAR Hollywood Studios Snacks AT HOME

43. A Treat That Looks Like… Bacteria?

Oga’s Cantina ain’t your standard “margarita and fruity lemonade” stop. The drinks and snacks served here definitely feel otherworldly. You’ve got the Fuzzy TaunTaun (with a buzz-button foam that’ll make your lips turn numb), The Bloody Rancor (with a meringue rancor bone on top), the Bespin Fizz (with cloudy swirls pooling out over the rim).

And — here’s the one we RARELY ever get the chance to talk about — the non-alcoholic Oga’s Obsession made of lemonade, cotton candy flavoring, and blueberry popping pearls with a bursting dried fruit mixture. This thing looks like I could put it under a microscope and study it in a science class. It’s FREAKY looking — and really ISN’T a drink at all. It’s more like a little jello cup… which could throw some folks off who aren’t expecting that texture.

BUT, at the same time, Oga’s Obsession is also fruity and fun and STILL refreshing — making it a unique snack for kids and adults alike to try while spending some time at Oga’s cooling off! 

How It Started vs. How It’s Going – The Happabore Sampler at Oga’s Cantina

44. Head Toward The *Traffic* Lights 

Some of the best Disney secrets are often the ittiest-bittiest ones. One easter egg that carries through both Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard can be found at the base of both area’s traffic lights. 

All the lights are marked with the faux-company name-stamp “Mortimer & Co 1928”, which contains references to Mortimer Mouse. Mortimer Mouse was the original name for the character who would later become our jolly good fella, Mickey Mouse. And Mortimer would’ve never become sweet lil Mickey, if it weren’t for Walt’s wife, Lillian Disney, who absolutely HATED the name Mortimer for the character. 

As for the year — 1928 — that was the same year that Mickey Mouse debuted! Who woulda thunk that some simple street lights would hit us with not just one, but TWO important Easter Eggs for us to uncover?!

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45. Muppet Posters

I could’ve probably made this ENTIRE video all about the Muppet-y jokes and hidden secrets around Grand Avenue. (And I know QUITE a few members of my team would’ve appreciated that immensely). It’s time to really appreciate the chuckle-worthy posters hiding out in plain sight around, specifically, the MuppetVision 3D exit. 

If you take the time to read these posters instead of leaving the area immediately, you’re gonna find some really punny knee-slappers. 

For instance, there’s…

• Fozzy Bear, looking for you to hire him as your go-to comedian. No, really — he needs a job. He’ll even throw in a free rubber chicken if you call today!
• The Ricky Rat Show advertisement. Remember everyone: “STAR Spelled Backwards Is RATS.”
• Frankie’s Formalwear, who promises to make your special events SPECIALER.

There are a lot more posters where that came from, so make sure to stop for a minute and get a good laugh in before you get on with your park day. It does the soul good.

Not To Be Dramatic, But This May Be the BEST Muppets Souvenir We’ve Ever Seen in Disney World

46. A Restaurant For Those Who Miss MGM

Yeah, yeah… we know we’ve talked a lot about the good ol’ days of Hollywood Studios BEFORE it was Hollywood Studios. But we can’t help it. Those are just awesome memories for us. So maybe that’s why we keep finding myself booking reservations for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.

On the walls of Mama Melrose’s, you’ll find photos of celebrities. These photos have actually been saved from the days of MGM’s “Star Today” promotion. Y’see, back in the day, “Star Today” was a special offering where “celebrities” would come to MGM to sign autographs for guests.

It wasn’t a long-standing promotion, but supposedly Imagineers saved some of the photos that the celebrities would use for autographs and hung them up on the walls here! Basically, if you’re a fan of that old-school MGM vibe, you might really enjoy your time here. Despite all the changes that’ve taken over this park, Mama Melrose’s has remained relatively the same (at least in terms of atmosphere), which hits me right in the nostalgia feels.

Click HERE to Read Our Latest Mama Melrose Reviews

47. The Hole Of A Washed-Up Character

If you’re looking for more Roger Rabbit hidden gems around Hollywood Studios, make sure to look above the Hollywood and Vine Restaurant, over in Echo Lake.

Um, excuse me? Hollywood and Vine? I think you’ve got a broken window that’s in need of fixing! Don’t worry — this hole is VERY much supposed to be there, and it’s VERY much rabbit-shaped. ROGER Rabbit-shaped. You can find this silly effect next to the “Eddie Valiant Private Investigator” tribute window. (Which is also extremely fitting, dontcha think?)

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48. The Secrets Of Runaway Railway

Things can get a little kooky on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway — but that’s all part of the fun! What makes this ride even MORE fun, however, is when you start tracking down all the hidden secrets lurking within. 

So let’s just talk about a few for now:

• Secret #1.) The Dapper Dans — In the very first ride scene, a quadruplet tandem bike drives by on your right side with four passengers! If you pay special attention to what they’re wearing, you’ll notice their outfits look just like the ones the Dapper Dans barbershop quartet in Magic Kingdom normally sport!
• Secret #2.) Yensid Valley — Watch out for a directional sign in the first and last scenes which each have one arrow pointing to YENSID valley!  Thisis a special reference to the sorcerer’s name in Fantasia from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, which is also Disney spelled backward!
• Secret #3.) Oswald! — Yup! Our little rabbit friend is BACK with ANOTHER Easter egg to share!

There’s a newspaper near Jackhammer Pete in the city scene with a headline that reads, “Oswald Wins!” This, indeed, clearly refers to Walt Disney’s long-lost rabbity pal, finally claiming a victory after all these years.

Only Experts Know These 12 Secrets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

49. POTATOLAND!

Only at Disney World can you visit a fictional vacation destination within a magical vacation destination, and without needing an extra park ticket! Over at the Mickey Shorts Theater, you can watch Mickey, Minnie, and the whole gang recount some of their vacation adventures.

Afterward, you’ll head out of the theater and be met with several photo ops based on some of the other Mickey shorts! The main draw here has to be Potatoland! I mean, you can get your photo taken with THE Potato! (An HONOR bestowed upon only the GREATEST Disney folk of our land.) 

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50. Toy Shop Re-Enactments 

Make sure to keep looking UP the next time you’re in the Toydarian Toy Shop in Galaxy’s Edge. 

Hanging above the ceiling, here are toys locked in reenactments of famous scenes from the Star Wars franchise. These include the Millennium Falcon escaping Imperial ships by hiding in an asteroid field and Obi-Wan Kenobi dueling Darth Vader on the Death Star.

How You Should Spend Your Money in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Ohhhhh, my goodness, y’all are INCREDIBLE. Seriously. This was SO much fun to tell y’all about — and I hope you get to experience all (or at least MOST) of these AMAZING Hollywood Studios experiences during your next trip, too!

Planning a trip to Hollywood Studios, soon? Let us know your plans in the comments below!

The post 50 AMAZING Things You Never Knew Were in Disney’s Hollywood Studios first appeared on the disney food blog.